Coin sorting and counting machines

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for sorting coins of different sizes, comprising means for delivering a supply of coins of different sizes, centrifugal separating means for arranging said differently sized coins in single file, a circular sorting chamber, having a plurality of successively sized holes corresponding to the sizes of the coils to be separated and means for moving coins delivered thereto unidirectionally over said holes, a transfer channel connecting said centrifugal separating means and said sorting chamber for conveying said differently sized coins, the differently sized coins being delivered from said separating means in single file and successively sorted by being deposited in their associated holes in said chamber.

United States Patent 1191 Reis [ COIN SORTING AND COUNTING MACHINES [76] Inventor: Katharina Maria Reis,

Buchenauerstr. 19, Bruchsal/Baden, Germany [22] Filed: July 26, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 165,934

[ 1 Nov. 13, 1973 Primary Examiner-Robert B. Reeves Assistant Examiner-Thomas E. Kocovsky Attorney-Richard Low et a1.

[57] ABSTRACT Apparatus for sorting coins of different sizes, comprising means for delivering a supply of coins of different sizes, centrifugal separating means for arranging said differently sized coins in single file, a circular sorting chamber, having a plurality of successively sized holes corresponding to the sizes of the coils to be separated and means for moving coins delivered thereto unidirectionally over said holes, a transfer channel connecting said centrifugal separating means and said sorting chamber for conveying said differently sized coins, the differently sized coins being delivered from said separating means in single file and successively sorted by being deposited in their associated holes in said chamber.

12 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures Patented Nov. 13, 1973 3 Sheets-Sheet L Patented Nov. 13, 1973 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Nov. 13, 1973 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 COIN SORTING AND COUNTING MACHINES BACKGROUND .OF INVENTION The invention relates to coin sorting and counting machines which separates and counts coins and similar disk shaped objects, having the same value according to their diameter, from a mass of different coins or objects.

Conventional coin counting and sorting machines deliver the coins to be processed from a storage hopper or container on inclined or horizontal rails arranged in front of an oblique front plate. Associated with the rail are electrical or mechanical scanners and rejectors. Apertures are also provided which may be adjusted according to the diameters of the coins to be sorted so that the scanned coins may be selected and delivered into collecting receptacles and also counted. The capacity and reliability of such devices depends essentially on the speed at which coins are withdrawn from the storage container, arranged in individual rows and thereafter brought by way of the conveying rail to the area of the scanners.

Increased capacity has been obtained for such devices by arranging the coins in a single file. On such attempt has been-to provide a rotating disk above which a slot is formed for the entry of the coins from the hopper, one at a time. From the disk the coins are individually fed to a feeding channel or rail by the centrifugal rotation of the disk. In the channel the coins, arranged in single file, are engaged by driven feed rollers. The coins enter the feeding channel in the flat condition and are seized by the feed rollers which impel them toward the coin discharge. Each of the coins, as its impelled by the feeding'roller actuates the counting wheel of the counter registering the total number of coins passing through the feeding channel, the feed roller and counting wheel.

A modification of this counting machine provides the machine with an area sorting position wherein the coins are delivered to a rotating container in the bottom of which is provided a passage whose magnitude can be controlled and whose width may be adjusted to the diameter of a given type of coin to be supplied. In this machine first the coins having the smallest diameter are sorted, the passage is enlarged for the next size. This is repeated until gradually all the coins are sorted. Because of the many successive steps involved in the operation of this machine, its capacity is greatly reduced.

The object of the present invention is to provide a coin sorting and counting device which overcomes the problems of the known devices and which provides an improved machine having increased capacity. It is another object to provide a coin sorting and counting device utilizing centrifugal coin throwing disks liberated from the problems incident with the prior known devices.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION According to the present invention apparatus for sorting and counting coins and similar disk like objects is provided comprising a storage hopper open at bottom below which a centrifugally rotating feed disk is arranged. The disk is of greater diameter than the hopper which is provided with a shallow opening in its wall by which the coins are carried to the periphery of the disk one at a time. A wall is arranged about the disk providing a circular passage defined by this outer wall and the wall of the hopper for conveying the coins in communicates with a circular sorting chamber having a stationary floor in which is formed a plurality of successively sized sorting holes for discharge of the coins. A rotating disk is arranged above the stationary floor and is provided with means for engaging the coins which are delivered in single file, and for guiding the coins into the successive holes. Discharge tubes are connected with the successive holes for delivering the coins to bags or other receptacles. Mechanical or photo electric counting means are associated with each tube so that the coins can be counted as they are delivered to each bag.

The rotating sorting disk is spaced above the floor of the sorting chamber by a distance substantially little more than the thickest coin to be sorted. The disk is mounted so as to be adjustable for varying thicknesses of coins. Preferably the underside of the sorting disk is provided with a circular rubber or plastic ring located over the sorting openings. The ring is preferably soft or foamy to resiliently engage the coins and force them to move over the holes at the velocity of the shorting disk. The coins are caused to move circularly and abut against the wall of the sorting chamber on a rim which projects inwardly.

The individual sorting holes or openings adjoin each other and increase successively in width from the smallest, adjacent the transfer channel, to the largest at a circular distance therefrom.

Preferably, the feed disk and the sorting disks are rotated in opposite direction and the transfer channel moves obliquely from one to the other. This is not essential and the disks may, however, be rotated in the same direction so long as the transfer channel is also arranged to be tangential to the direction of rotation of each of the disks.

The apparatus of the present invention has a decided advantage of the conventional devices in that the capacity and speed of sorting and counting is increased by a multiple or more of that previously obtained. This advantage is based upon the fact that the single filing of the coins occurs in one part of the apparatus while the sorting occurs in another part. Further, separate disks are provided for each of the feed and sorting functions so that the ordering or single file effect of the centrifugal force and the forced guiding of the coins are fully utilized.

Full details of the present invention including various objects and advantages will be more fully'described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of amachine embodying the present invention,

FIG. 2 shows the machine of FIG. 1 in top plan view partially sectioned, and

FIG. 3 is an elevational section of the machine taken from the rear.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION As seen in FIG. 1, the machine comprises a frame or chassis l, on one part of which is located the single file fee mechanism 1' and on the other the sorting mechanism 10. Both mechanisms are driven by a common drive motor 20 through transmission means 21 and 22, which, in the preferred form, are connected to the oppositely rotating ends of the motor drive shaft.

The single filing feed mechanism 1 comprises a centrifugal disk 7 which rotates in the direction of the arrow 4. A circular boundary ring 23 is secured to the chassis 1 and encircles the rotating feed disk 7 to define a circular passage 5. A cylindrical open storage container 3, having a diameter less than the disk 7 is also mounted by suitable brackets to the chassis so as to be concentrically arranged above the disk 7. A flaring hopper 16 is fit over the upper end of the sylinder 3.

The container cylinder 3 is adapted to receive a mixture of coins of different size which are to be counted. The lower edge of the cylinder 3 is spaced from the disk 7 only sufficient to permit the disk to rotate. The lower edge of the cylinder is, however, cut out or notched to form a slot 6 of limited size in its wall which constitutes an opening communicating with both the interior of the cylinder and the circular passage 5. Because the feed disk 7 forms the common bottom of the cylinder 3 and the circular passage coins may be continuously driven or centrifugally thrown from the container 3 into the passage 5 through the aperture 6, when the disk is rotated. Because of the limited size of the aperture 6, the coins are moved into the circular passage 5 in single file where they are carried in in this arrangement. A spring or resilient tongue 24 extends within the cylinder container 3 adjacent the slot 6 and rests on the coins within the container to control their feed exiting into the passage 5. The tongue 24 extends outwardly of the cylinder wall and is provided with an adjustment mechanism to regulate its operation dependent on the speed, capacity, number of coins and other factors.

From the annular passage 5 the single file coins 13 pass into a tangential transfer channel 8 bounded by lateral walls 9 and 9. The transfer channel 8 terminates in the sorting mechanism 10 which it also enters in a tangential direction. The sorting mechanism comprises a fixed sorting floor 11 of circular shape. Arranged about the outer circumference of the sorting floor 11 is a sorting stretch 10' formed of a succession of openings or holes 12. A rotary sorting disk 14 is arranged above the floor 11 and is of the same diameter as the floor 11 so as to extend over the sorting stretch 10'. The disk 14 is mounted on a central shaft connected to the transmission 21 so as to rotate in the under surface 4' opposite to that of the feed disk 7. A resilient rubber ring or other functional material ring 15 is secured by glue or other means to the undersurface of the sorting disk 14 along its circumferential edge. The coins 13 and 13' entering the sorting mechanism find themselves below the elastic ring 15 but supported by the floor 11. The coins are forced by the rotation ring 15 about the circumference of the floor 11, over the sorting stretch 10 and into the particular opening 12.

The openings 12 are successively arranged in increasing size from the entrance of the transfer chamber along the outer circumference of the sorting floor so that the coins are deposited in the respective opening according to size, the smallest first and the largest last. As the coins run over the sorting stretch they are guided on their outer edges by an abutment rim 18 which projects from the inner surface of a vertical disposed circular wall 19 secured to the chasis and encircling the floor 11 and rotating sorting disk 14. When the coin ultimately reaches its corresponding opening 12 (that is one having a width corresponding to its diameter) it is no longer supported by the floor 11 and the resilient ring 15 pushes the coin into the opening 12. The coin falls into a tube 17 associated with the particular opening 12 into a coin holder, bag or other container. While the coins fall in the tube 17, they may be counted by a photo electric counter 25 or other counting mechanism.

The sorting openings 12 are provided with adjustable shutter means or similar devices for varying the width of the opening so that differently sized coins may be accommodated without having the need for replacing the entire sorting floor. The rotating sorting disk 14 is also mounted on the transmission shaft so that its height above the floor l 1 can be adjusted to accommodate the coins of varying thickness. This is accomplished by providing the end of the shaft with a thread and having the disk 14 secured thereto by a pair of threaded lock bolts on on each side thereof.

The disks 7 and 14 are illustrated as rotating in opposite directions. While this is preferred, the disks may also be arranged to rotate in the same direction and the transfer channel arranged to extend chordally between each disk provided that the transfer channel remains tangential to the direction of movement of the disks. The sorting stretch can be of course rearranged as desired.

It will be appreciated that not only can coins be counted and sorted but any other disk shaped object may be handled by the present invention, according to their diameter. Various modifications have been suggested and others will be obvious. it is intended therefore that the disclosure is illustrative only of the present invention.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for sorting coins of different sizes, comprising a frame, means mounted on said frame for delivering a supply of coins of different sizes, centrifugal separating means for arranging said differently sized coins in single file, a circular sorting chamber, having a plurality of successively sized holes corresponding to the sizes of the coins to be separated and means for moving coins delivered thereto unidirectionally over said holes, a transfer channel connecting said centrifugal separating means and said sorting chamber for conveying said differently sized coins, said centrifugal separating means, said circular sorting chamber and said transfer channel having coin support means arranged in a common plane to deliver the differently sized coins from said separating means in a continuous single file successively sorting each by depositing them in their respectively sized holes in said chamber.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 including means for varying the width of said openings to accommodate different size coins.

3. Apparatus for sorting and counting coins and the like comprising a frame, said frame supporting a storage hopper open at the bottom, a centrifugally rotating feed disk arranged below said hopper, said disk having a greater diameter than said hopper, said hopper being provided with a shallow opening in its wall by which the coins are carried to the periphery of the disk, a wall surrounding said rotating feed disk to contain said coins in single file and providing a circular conveyor passage defined by said wall and said hopper for said coins, a transfer channel leading tangentially from said circular ing an inwardly directed rim for engaging the edges of said coins.

.6. The apparatus according claim 3 wherein said sorting holes are arranged about the outer circumference of the stationary floor.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said openings in the sorting floor increase in width successively from the transfer channel from smallest to largest.

8. The apparatus according to claim 3 including direct means for leading said coins from the holes to a receptacle.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8 including counting means located in association coins passing through each.

10. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said sorting disk is provided with means for adjusting its space from said floor to a distance slightly greater than the thickness of the thickest coin to be sorted.

l l. The apparatus according to claim 10 wherein said sorting disk is provided with means on its lower surface for engaging said coins having an annular shape and being adapted to move said coins over the sorting floor.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1 1 wherein said engaging means is formed of elastic resilient material. 

1. Apparatus for sorting coins of different sizes, comprising a frame, means mounted on said frame for delivering a supply of coins of different sizes, centrifugal separating means for arranging said differently sized coins in single file, a circular sorting chamber, having a plurality of successively sized holes corresponding to the sizes of the coins to be separated and means for moving coins delivered thereto unidirectionally over said holes, a transfer channel connecting said centrifugal separating means and said sorting chamber for conveying said differently sized coins, said centrifugal separating means, said circular sorting chamber and said transfer channel having coin support means arranged in a common plane to deliver the differently sized coins from said separating means in a continuous single file successively sorting each by depositing them in their respectively sized holes in said chamber.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1 including means for varying the width of said openings to accommodate different size coins.
 3. Apparatus for sorting and counting coins and the like comprising a frame, said frame supporting a storage hopper open at the bottom, a centrifugally rotating feed disk arranged below said hopper, said disk having a greater diameter than said hopper, said hopper being provided with a shallow opening in its wall by which the coins are carried to the periphery of the disk, a wall surrounding said rotating feed disk to contain said coins in single file and providing a circular conveyor passage defined by said wall and said hopper for said coins, a transfer channel leading tangentially from said circular passage to a sorting chamber, a circular sorting chamber having a stationary floor, a plurality of successively sized sorting holes in said floor for discharge of the coins therethrough, a rotating disk arranged above the stationary floor provided with means for engaging the coins and for guiding the coins successively into one of said holes dependent on their sizes.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the feed disk and the sorting disk are rotated in opposite directions.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said sorting chamber is provided with an annular wall having an inwardly directed rim for engaging the edges of said coins.
 6. The apparatus according claim 3 wherein said sorting holes are arranged about the outer circumference of the stationary floor.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said openings in the sorting floor increase in width successively from the transfer channel from smallest to largest.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 3 including direct means for leading said coins from the holes to a receptacle.
 9. The apparatus according to claim 8 including counting means located in associatiOn coins passing through each.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said sorting disk is provided with means for adjusting its space from said floor to a distance slightly greater than the thickness of the thickest coin to be sorted.
 11. The apparatus according to claim 10 wherein said sorting disk is provided with means on its lower surface for engaging said coins having an annular shape and being adapted to move said coins over the sorting floor.
 12. The apparatus according to claim 11 wherein said engaging means is formed of elastic resilient material. 